Msp Airport's Runways: A Comprehensive Overview

Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) is a joint civil-military airport located between Minneapolis and St. Paul in Minnesota. It is one of the busiest airports in the US, with over 32 miles of runways and taxiways. The airport has four runways and two terminals: Terminal 1-Lindbergh and Terminal 2-Humphrey. Terminal 1 has 117 gates across seven concourses, while Terminal 2 has 14 gates across one concourse. In 2022, MSP served over 31 million travellers, making it the 19th busiest airport in North America in terms of passenger traffic.

MSP Airport's four runways

Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) has four runways and two terminals: Terminal 1-Lindbergh and Terminal 2-Humphrey. The airport is located between Minneapolis and St. Paul and serves suburban areas such as Bloomington, Eagan, Mendota Heights, and Richfield in Minnesota. It is operated by the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC), a public corporation established in 1943 by the Minnesota State legislature to coordinate aviation services in the Twin Cities metropolitan area.

The four runways at MSP Airport are:

• Runway 4/22: This is the airport's crosswind runway, which was originally built in the 1960s and later reconstructed. It is used when strong north-easterly or south-westerly crosswinds prevent the use of parallel runways, or when a longer runway is required for takeoff or landing.
• Runway 12R/30L: This is the south parallel runway.
• Runway 12L/30R: This is the north parallel runway. These parallel runways are the first priority for departures and arrivals when wind speed and direction promote a south flow at MSP.
• Runway 17/35: This 8,000-foot runway intersects with the crosswind runway and was commissioned in October 2005. It is used for departures and arrivals to the south when wind speed and direction promote a north or south flow at the airport.

The Runway Use System (RUS) at MSP Airport prioritises the use of arrival and departure runways to minimise noise over residential areas. Runway closures for construction, maintenance, or safety inspections can also impact which runways are used. MSP Airport has over 32 miles of runways and taxiways, and regular maintenance is crucial to ensure the safety of aircraft operations.

Runway use prioritisation

Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) has four runways and two terminals: Terminal 1-Lindbergh and Terminal 2-Humphrey. The airport is managed and operated by the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC), which utilises a priority Runway Use System (RUS) to direct aircraft over less-populated residential areas.

The Runway Use System (RUS) is designed to prioritise arrival and departure runways to promote flight activity over less-populated areas and reduce noise pollution in residential neighbourhoods. The system takes into account various factors, including runway availability, wind speed and direction, and airspace demand.

Departure Prioritisation

Runways 12L and 12R (parallel runways) are the first choice for departures. Aircraft taking off from these runways immediately fly over industrial areas to the southeast, reducing the impact on residential areas. These runways are used when wind conditions promote a south flow and when airspace demand is light enough to allow flexibility in runway configuration.

Runway 17 is utilised for departures to the south, augmenting the flow of air traffic using the parallel runways, especially when wind conditions are favourable for a south flow.

When strong crosswinds or aircraft requirements prevent the use of the parallel runways, a balanced use of Runway 4-22 is implemented.

Runways 30L and 30R (parallel runways) are the lowest priority for departures as aircraft take off towards the northwest over densely populated residential areas. These runways are used during peak air traffic periods or when flight factors promote a north flow.

Arrival Prioritisation

Runways 30L and 30R (parallel runways) are the first choice for arrivals, as aircraft approach MSP from the southeast over industrial areas. These runways are used when flight factors promote a north flow and during peak air traffic periods.

Runway 35 is used for arrivals from the south when wind conditions promote a north flow and during peak periods to support the use of the parallel runways.

Similar to departures, a balanced use of Runway 4-22 is implemented when strong crosswinds or aircraft requirements prevent the use of the parallel runways.

Runways 12L and 12R are the lowest priority for arrivals from the northwest, as aircraft approach MSP over densely populated residential areas. These runways are utilised when wind conditions promote a south flow.

Impact of Construction and Maintenance

At times, runway closures are necessary for construction, maintenance, or safety inspections, which can temporarily impact the typical runway use. During these periods, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) adjusts runway operations to accommodate air traffic with minimal disruption. While construction activities can influence runway usage, the FAA remains committed to prioritising the RUS to minimise noise pollution for surrounding communities.

Runway maintenance

MSP Airport, or Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, has 32 miles of runways and taxiways. The airport has multiple runways, including 12L, 12R, 17, 4-22, 30L, and 30R. These runways are used according to a priority Runway Use System (RUS) that directs aircraft over less-populated residential areas.

Maintaining these runways is critical for the safe operation of aircraft. Runway maintenance involves a range of activities to ensure runways are in optimal condition for safe takeoffs and landings. Regular inspections and maintenance procedures are conducted to identify and address any potential issues. This includes repairing cracks, filling potholes, and ensuring proper drainage to prevent water accumulation. Maintaining proper lighting systems and marking runway surfaces are also crucial aspects of runway maintenance.

To ensure the safety of construction crews and aircraft, runway maintenance may require temporary closures of runways. At MSP Airport, runway closures typically occur overnight or during periods of low air traffic. During the summers of 2024 and 2025, MSP Airport planned runway closures to complete pavement work and runway safety area grading. This work included pavement excavation, laying new concrete pavement, grading around runways, painting new pavement markings, and installing airport lights and signage.

Proper planning and scheduling of maintenance work help minimize disruptions to aircraft operations. Work should be scheduled during off-peak hours, and alternative runways should be available if needed. Regular inspections and prompt repairs are essential to identify defects or damage that may impact the safety of aircraft operations. Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) must be issued to inform pilots of any maintenance or repair work that may affect aircraft operations.

By investing in runway maintenance, airports can ensure smooth operations, enhance safety, and reduce the risk of accidents. Additionally, maintaining runways extends their lifespan, improves operational efficiency, and helps comply with various regulations and standards.

Runway history

Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) has four runways. The airport, which is located between Minneapolis and St Paul, was originally a Snelling speedway. It was procured by the Minneapolis Aero Club in 1920 and a wooden hangar was built. The 160-acre property, which was called the Speedway Field, was used for airmail service.

In 1923, the airport was renamed Wold–Chamberlain Field for the World War I pilots Ernest Groves Wold and Cyrus Foss Chamberlain. In 1944, the site was renamed to Minneapolis–St. Paul Metropolitan Airport/Wold-Chamberlain Field, with "International" replacing "Metropolitan" four years later. Today, the airport covers 3,400 acres and has one airfield, four runways, and two terminals: Terminal 1-Lindbergh and Terminal 2-Humphrey.

The airport underwent a $3.2 billion expansion known as 'MSP 2010: Building a Better Airport', which was completed in 2009. The expansion included the development of a new north/south runway, bringing the total number of runways to four. The fourth runway, 17/35, was commissioned in October 2005. It intersects with the crosswind runway, which was originally built in the 1960s and underwent reconstruction later.

The Runway Use System (RUS) at MSP prioritizes arrival and departure runways to promote flight activity over less-populated residential areas as much as possible. For example, runways 12L and 12R (parallel runways) are the first priority for departures since aircraft overfly industrial use areas to the southeast immediately after takeoff. On the other hand, runways 30L and 30R (parallel runways) are the lowest priority for departures since aircraft take off towards the northwest over densely populated residential areas.

Runway safety

The Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) has several runways, including Runway 04/22, Runway 17/35, Runway 12R/30L, and Runway 12L-30R.

Runway Use System (RUS)

The Runway Use System (RUS) is a crucial aspect of runway safety at MSP. The RUS prioritizes arrival and departure runways to minimize flight activity over densely populated residential areas. This system takes into account factors such as wind speed, direction, and airspace demand to determine the most suitable runways for arrivals and departures. For example, Runways 12L and 12R are the first priority for departures since aircraft take off over industrial areas to the southeast, reducing the impact on residential areas.

Construction and Maintenance

Regular maintenance and upgrades are essential for runway safety. In 2024 and 2025, MSP underwent construction projects to improve runway pavement, grading, lighting, and signage. These projects aimed to enhance safety and comply with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations. During construction, some runways were temporarily closed to ensure the safety of workers and aircraft. The work included pavement excavation, laying new concrete, and clearing safety areas of debris to ensure they can support aircraft and emergency vehicles.

Air Traffic Control (ATC)

The FAA's Air Traffic Control (ATC) plays a vital role in runway safety by determining runway usage based on factors such as runway availability, weather conditions, and operational efficiency. Aircraft typically land and take off into the wind for safety, so wind patterns are crucial in runway selection. During construction periods, the ATC adjusts runway operations to accommodate traffic volumes with minimal disruption, always prioritizing safety.

Noise Mitigation

While not directly related to runway safety, it is worth mentioning that due to aircraft noise concerns, the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) took steps to reduce indoor noise for residents near the airport. This included providing sound insulation and air conditioning to many homes in the vicinity.

Overall, MSP airport prioritizes runway safety through the implementation of systems like the RUS, regular maintenance and construction projects, and the ATC's management of runway usage based on various safety factors. These measures ensure the safe handling of aircraft operations and the well-being of those on the ground.

Frequently asked questions